Pediatric thyroid cancer with extensive disease in a Hispanic population: outcome and long-term survival

The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of well differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WTC) in Hispanic children and analyze treatment response. Retrospective evaluation of records seen at our institution from 1970-2007 was undertaken. Twenty-seven cases were evaluated, 24 were treated with radioiodine, followed for a mean period of 15 years. There were 18 females, 9 males, median age 11 years. Eleven tumors were papillary, 15 papillary-follicular variant and one follicular. All had total thyroidectomy and iodine scan. Initially 75% of the tumors were T2, 79% were N1, and 29% had distant metastases. Radioiodine was given to 89%. The cumulative radiation dose ranged from 110-925 mCi. Residual disease was present in 25% at last follow up, maximal follow up 37 years without tumor recurrence. Patients were all alive, 75% were disease-free. WTC in pediatrics is extensive at diagnosis; treatment outcome and long-term survival are excellent.